Jonathan Ross Returns to ITV with Star-Studded Chat Show and Hilarious TV Antics
Jonathan Ross, the ever-charismatic broadcaster and chat show host, is making headlines again as he returns to British television screens with the much-anticipated new series of The Jonathan Ross Show. The show’s comeback, which aired on February 7, 2026, at 9:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, marks yet another milestone in Ross’s decades-long career—a career that continues to attract audiences with its unique blend of wit, celebrity banter, and unpredictability.
A Dazzling Line-up for the New Series Opener
For the opening episode, Ross assembled a dazzling line-up of guests: acclaimed actor Hugh Bonneville, versatile performer Riz Ahmed, England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne MBE, chart-topping singer-songwriter Jason Derulo, and rising comedy talent Harriet Kemsley. This eclectic mix set the tone for a lively and memorable evening, with each guest bringing their own flair to the conversation.
Downton Abbey's Enduring Legacy and Rugby's Rise
Hugh Bonneville, best known for his iconic role in Downton Abbey, reflected on the end of the beloved series. "Certainly not with our cast. But the castle still stands, so who knows? Maybe there’ll be one set in 2060?" he mused, hinting at the show’s enduring legacy. "None of us thought it would last beyond the seven episodes that were originally commissioned. Period dramas were dead, we were told. You never know how it’s going to turn out. We ended up doing whatever it was, 52 episodes and three films over 15 years. It was a nice farewell." His comments struck a chord with fans who have followed the series’ journey from its humble beginnings to international phenomenon.
Ellie Kildunne, fresh from England’s triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign in 2025, brought a competitive edge to the evening. "I’m telling you now—we never played our best game of rugby in that World Cup and we still won it—we’re going to take over the world, if we haven’t already done it. We’re going to take it even further and personally I’m going to keep on pushing to be the best player," she declared, exuding confidence and ambition. Her words reflect the growing prominence of women’s rugby and the drive of athletes like Kildunne to inspire future generations.
Harriet Kemsley: The Rising Star of Comedy
Comedian Harriet Kemsley, meanwhile, has been making significant waves on the comedy circuit. Her recent appearances on Amazon Prime’s Last One Laughing UK and the Clash of the Comics wrestling show at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo have cemented her status as a rising star. Kemsley’s willingness to "say the things that others might filter out" ensures that her segments are never dull. She’s also made memorable appearances on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Sip Happens, and a host of other panel shows, further broadening her appeal and establishing her as a must-see act.
Beyond His Own Show: Ross on Michael McIntyre's Big Show
But Ross’s on-screen exploits don’t end with his own show. Earlier that evening, he was the subject of a hilarious segment on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show—specifically, the infamous Midnight Gameshow. McIntyre, in a surprise move, snuck into Ross’s bedroom, dressed as Darth Vader and wielding a lightsaber, to wake the unsuspecting host.
The Extravagant Bedroom That Broke the Internet
The real surprise, however, was reserved for viewers, who were left agog by the extravagant design of Ross’s bedroom. The bed, featuring a massive padded headboard that stretched up the wall and onto the ceiling, even boasted a TV at its foot. "What kind of a bed is this?" McIntyre quipped, adding, "It’s more of a yacht!" Social media was abuzz, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) asking, "What’s going on with Jonathan Ross bed?" Another joked, "The bedroom of Jonathan Ross! I’ve never seen such a dreadful room. Did the decorators do it as a joke?" The comments highlighted the unique and somewhat polarising nature of Ross's personal style.
Ross Takes the Ribbing in Stride
Ross, known for his good humour, took the ribbing in stride, later joking that he hoped his wife, screenwriter Jane Goldman, would have declined on his behalf if asked about the Midnight Gameshow. The couple, who married in August 1988, share three adult children—Betty Kitten, Harvey, and Honey. Ross’s family life, it seems, is as colourful as his on-screen persona.
Parental Vulnerability on 'Reel Talk' Podcast
In a recent episode of the podcast Reel Talk, which he co-hosts with his daughter Honey, Ross opened up about a moment of parental vulnerability. Responding to a listener’s account of watching the... [Article continues, but the provided context ends here.]
The return of The Jonathan Ross Show promises more of the engaging interviews and unexpected moments that have made it a staple of British television. Coupled with his memorable appearances on other shows, Jonathan Ross continues to prove his enduring appeal as a television personality.
